About WCSU Canada

West Coast Swing University (WCSU) Canada is the Canadian division of the northern Californian based West Coast Swing University. Working with Jason and Yvonne Wayne with WCSU to develop a curriculum that creates fantastic social and competitive dancers. With our levelled group classes we can ensure that no matter your skill level you will have a fun and rewarding time learning to dance West Coast Swing with us. Our knowledgeable teachers, with extensive dance backgrounds and training, also offer private lessons for anyone wanting a more detailed or personalised learning environment.

Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, WCSU Canada strives to promote and grow the west coast swing dance community within Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada. We pride ourselves on creating well rounded dancers who can continue to grow and support our dance community. We look forward to you attending our classes and our many events to come.

WCSU Canada Class Levels

Absolute Beginner/Novice

In the Beginner level we break down west coast swing and teach your from the very basics. This class is a great start even if you have never danced before, and if you have some experience with WCS this will help solidify your basics and technique before moving into our Novice/Intermediate level classes. WCSU has developed a unique way of teaching our basics and our connection with our dance partners. We strongly recommend that all dancers take at least two one-hour classes of this level to ensure that they are familiar with our terminology and connection style before moving on to Novice/Intermediate level classes.

Novice/Intermediate

This level of classes is great for WCS dancers who have a firm grasp of the basic steps, timing structure, connection, and terminology used in WCS. In these classes we work on learning variations of the basics, incorporating timing changes, and having fun. This level is about stretching your dance skills and improving your technique and connection.

Advanced/WCS Theory

This level of class is great for dancers who are comfortable with timing changes and using variations of basics, as well as dancers who want to learn more of the theory behind west coast swing. In these classes we work on musical theory and structure, developing patterns and routines, theory behind movement and connection technique, and advanced connection and variations. The advanced classes are fun and faced paced and will be able to challenge you no matter what level you are. We recommend taking the novice/intermediate level in addition to this level to ensure that you don’t lose grasp of your WCS basics. It’s also recommended to bring a notebook and pen/pencil to take theory notes and write down routines.

Teacher Training

This class is run on an as-needed basis for those who are interested in teaching WCS. Taught directly by Sherry Tovell, this class focuses on all aspects of teaching dance. The topics covered in this course include creating routines specific for class/group levels, learning different ways to communicate WCS concepts to students, evaluating student technique, class management, and techniques for instructing both group classes and working one-on-one with students. If you are interested in this level, contact Sherry Tovell for more information.